5 months!!

SSP is 5 months today! I can't believe were getting so old! And today I realized that were not the only ones. I noticed myself re-asking customers how old their babies are, because I could have sworn they were just born, or we just talked about the cool bathtub for them. And now, they are either starting to crawl, walk or even talk. I cant wait to look back at this time and see these kids grow before our eyes.

We have a lot of fun and exciting things planned for 2011. Some things we started to share, some will be a big surprise. But for now, I just wanted to say THANK YOU! Thank you for making this year so great for us. You welcomed SSP into your homes and for that I am so grateful!

lifetime memories

A few weeks ago Sugar Snap Pea hosted Santa. He was kind enough to stop by our store to snap a few pictures and let some kids tell him what they want for Christmas.

I dont recall my first picture with Santa, but I sure am glad I was able to witness a few firsts at the store. From sweet newborns to unsure and cautious toddlers, Carmen was able to capture wonderful images.

I even got wonderful emails from parents saying I have their permission to post these fun memories for everyone to enjoy! I look forward to many more in the years to come!!! And how cute are these kiddos?!?!

Tripp Trapp!!

Its true. Stokke Tripp Trapp is coming to Sugar Snap Pea. Its almost as exciting as Santa....almost.

Here is why the Tripp Trapp is so great. I believe when you make an investment it should last you awhile. This goes for it all...strollers...cribs that start as a small bassinet to a toddler bed, and so on.

This high chair starts as a great seat for a baby 6months all the way to a baby 99 years old. After your child grows out of the high chair position, you can use it as a chair for doing homework and then a chair you can pull next to your thanksgiving table. The beauty of this brand, is that everything is made out of natural wood and the quality is impeccable.

The colors can be as traditional as you want (from white, black and neutral) to purple, red and green.

Sugar Snap Pea will have these by the end of the month in the store, but if you want to pre-order your color today, you get a special gift with purchase!

SANTA!!!

It's true. I am becoming a kid more and more, while owning my own children's boutique. I may or may not be more excited that Santa is coming to Sugar Snap Pea this weekend. Thats right folks. Mr. International traveler himself, will be at 161 1/2 King Street for a little modeling photoshoot. Young or old, you are welcome to come sit next to Santa and tell him what you may want this Christmas and get your picture taken by our wonderful Carmen.

So stop on by, say hello and lets kick this season off right!

P.S. its still not too late to go to lovegave.com and make a childs Christmas that much more special. Dont forget about the 10% offer!!

Love Gave...have you?

As the holiday season is approaching, people are starting to look for a place and a way to give. When I started Sugar Snap Pea, I had every intention of making sure that SSP cares for others. This season, Sugar Snap Pea will be involved in many fundraisers, but one to point out will be Love Gave-the Bike Drive.

Please read below on their effort:

"LoveGave Bikes is a city-wide effort to give bikes to over 250 kids spread across 12 different Charleston area schools. For most of these kids, no bike would mean no Christmas present this year. To pull this off, we need you to partner with us. There are two ways you can give: online or in person. To give online, use the link below and we’ll purchase and deliver the bike on your behalf. To give in person, purchase a new bike at the West Ashley Walmart during the LoveGave Bikes event Thur. Dec 2, 9am — Sat Dec 4, 7pm. We’ll be perched high in a crane above the parking lot for 58 hours broad-casting live right here at LoveGave.com, chatting with you and giving updates on our progress along the way!"

Best part of it all? If you're not counting on kids who will be overjoyed because they will have a Christmas present? Sugar Snap Pea will offer you 10% off if you participate! And lets remember, that this should happen not just during the holiday season!

GO TO LOVEGAVE.COM and give!!

Traveling in style

Well, its that time of the year. When 4pm feels like 9pm, and its pitch dark at 6pm outside. But not for long, because before you know it, Christmas lights are going to take over our streets and it will be nice and bright.

So while I'm not participating in jolly music yet, I am thinking about upcoming holiday travel. This is when I wish I were a kid again, and I'd say that luxury is back in traveling.

Trunkis are a great little suitcase that packs a great deal of stuff for a fun trip to grandma's and also can be a nice resting seat while at the airport. Kids can push themselves through hallways, and also can be pulled by the parent. Besides the fun side of it, its also very practical if you're traveling with a stroller or another kid.

I may or may not be jealous that I cant fit on one.

Urban Sunday

I met a lot of new vendors at ENK. So many, I cant wait for you to see during spring time at sugar snap pea. However, there is one fun accessory line that just arrived. Some of you may think its a typical southern thing, but with its catchy name, the company shows that a fun accessory for a boy is not just a thing of the south.

Urban Sunday makes wonderful bow-ties and ties for babies all ages. I just got an amazing order of gingham, bicycle, and seahorses bow-ties and ties. You don't have to turn your little guy into a little man just yet, but there will always be an occasion when a tie is a must :)

the power of advertising

I come from the ad world. A world where you spend lots of money for a reader to see your shiny ad and make a split decision if they like you or not.

I was always on the: "you should be in our publication" side. Now, Im the person I used to run after. Advertising is great, but its usually very painful to spend the money that you actually need to advertise well.

I could think of million other places to put the money ( more merchandise, classes, maybe even lunch) but you cant have a sucesful business unless people know about you. Ho Hum.

Social media is great. Its a tool, that if used well, can bring great brand recognition and may cost you a bit less too. So I tried to dabble in it all. Sugar Snap Pea obviously has this blog, facebook and twitter accounts, and now we're going to print.

If you visit Charleston, you'll see SSP ads in a local map and then another visitors guide. Our latest, is going to a local magazine-Skirt. Check it out! And if you're not a fan on facebook...well Im not really sure what your excuse is ;)

baby store mythbusters #2

So I guess Im going to do a fun series on myth-busters. Im kind of excited about it, since Im learning so much as I grow this business. This week it will all be related to clothing.

Myth # 2--there are no cute and practical shoes for kids.

Yesterday I got a few delicious pairs of shoes. Indulge below:

our winter shoe :)

great for school since so many schools need a rubber bottom.

Stop in and get your size! They range from 7-2!

baby store mythbusters #1

Sugar Snap Pea is growing and growing oh so fast! In the past (almost) 3 months, I have laughed and wanted to cry at some things that some people say re: SSP. But something that I keep hearing over and over, is that boy clothes is "just not as cute". (this usually happens when people are looking at a fun tutu, or a hair bow) And while I would agree that boys may hate you for putting that stuff on them (but if you have a picture, Im thinking their rehearsal dinner is a great time to bring in that snapshot), I think that our imagination should just go a bit further and past some tule.

Now, I know that not everyone will have the same style as I do, for their kids and I am slowly starting to be ok with that. As soon as I realized that there ARE fun clothes for boys, SSP started to load up on them. I've said how excited I am about spring, and you will see why starting in December, but if you haven't been to SSP in awhile, you may be shocked about great boy looks that we now carry.

So moms! Im on your side! Lets shop for your sweet boy!

Endless possibilities

Happy Monday everyone. Its been crazy here at SSP. I just returned from a great buying trip in NY where I picked up wonderful new lines (Toobydoo, Olive Juice, Morgan and Milo and Baby Soy, as well as returning favorite lines like Kate Quinn, Feather Baby, Neige, Tea and many others). And starting in December, you can start shopping for your little AND bigger kids in your life ( on selective sizes that will go to age 12 for girls and 8 for boys)

Our marketing brains are exploding with fun things ahead, and be sure to keep up with your weekly blog reading and facebook updates. TRUST ME, it will be worth your time ( and money)

Now that Christmas is approaching (don't worry, I'm a store that believes in celebrating holidays in its order, so no Christmas decorations before Thanksgiving, sorry folks) it is good to start thinking about a nice Christmas Wish-list.

How often have you received an outfit from someone, that you know you will never put on your child? (wrong size, color, texture) Or a toy that your child may have outgrown, but you're too nice to return it, incase the gift giver ever returns to your home and asks to see that cute toy they got your kid 5 years ago.

Here at Sugar Snap Pea we are taking the awkwardness out of gift giving. You may now come in and make a simple wish list for what you may want from your grandma, friend or just anyone that has a desire to give you a Holiday gift. Don't live in Charleston? Not a problem. We have prepackaged gifts, or can customize a gift in any size, cost and flavor to your liking.

More info on these fun options are coming to your inboxes, so if you haven't signed up, do so, by going to www.sugarsnappea.com and add us to your mailing list.

Ok, off to sort fun new items that are coming in rapidly.

P.S. Thanks to Way Way for a nice post about SSP. Check her out here!

for those of you who haven't seen our latest display for the breast cancer awareness month:

save the milk machines

a BIG deal!

Well, I know Im just throwing everything and everyone off by blogging twice in one week. Im just making someones week that extra special (i'm thinking my mom, but then again, it may be just a wishful guess)

This Saturday, Im packing up with my friends The Cutey Booty and Barbara Beach, and heading to the spring buying show in NY, to get some great new items for SSP.

Yes, I will know whats hot and whats not for babies 6 months in advance. Here is the big, secret, fun announcement that my blog readers are about to find out:

SSP is going up in sizes for Spring! Thats right folks, Ill be going up to size 12 for girls and possibly 8 for boys.

I have been so honored to get such a great response from all of you, so I look forward to seeing you all, including those that have been left out due to current small sizes. *currently go up to size 5t. (this includes my wonderful cousins who are super excited)

So the reason I wanted to let you all know about this, is because I need your help. I'd love to know about some of the brands you may have enjoyed, perhaps only able to buy online, but wish you could see them before purchasing, or just something you are dying to see at SSP. I'll be your eyes at the show, and will bring full report for what looks and feels great, is wonderful quality and a great price point.

And if you are not able to stop by the store, send us a quick note or give us a call and we'd love to ship to you!

Heres to a great buying trip~

Well Looky Here ( or up)

I know its not monday...but it was totally worth the day to blog about it. Today Sugar Snap Pea got its sign. Thats right folks, no longer will you have to bend your necks, look up into the sky and try to figure out where you are or what amazingness you're standing in front of. Sugar Snap Pea is seen from afar and from up close. The little giraffe is happy, yet modern, friendly and all of the things that Sugar Snap Pea is to you. All thanks to Limelight Co!

So come on near and check out the sign! Oh, and while you're here, come in and say hi.

sleep well

I've recently seen a lot of blog posts about beautiful nurseries. Usually those have not so pretty prices attached. Of course lot of thought has to go into your kids room, besides budget. Is the crib safe? Can we use it for another child? What material is it made out of? And now, cribs have taken it to the next level. How long can I use this crib? When deciding on a crib for sugar snap pea, I knew all of those questions better have good answers before I pick a furniture line. And sure enough, I am very happy with my choice. Argington has managed to create a unique, clean, classic crib line, that is not only safe for you and your children, but is also going to last you just past those 2 years.

The Bam line starts as a bassinet, which later on converts to a crib. Not ready to part ways with this set yet? You dont have to, because the crib turns into a "big girl/boy" bed with just one conversion piece.

The beautiful part (besides its functionality, style and feel) is the price. You can buy the bassinet alone, and then upgrade to crib pieces if you want to, OR you can buy the set and save 100 bucks. Lastly, remember that although it looks unique, Bam will take normal size crib sheets, vs custom ordered.

Stop by SSP to check it out. Currently its the home to our beautiful jelly cat toys :) They seem to love it, and I know they snooze in it all the time, so no doubt your child will too!

fits through all doorways!

the nifty toddler conversion piece

Buga-BOO!!

Buga-boo! No, thats not me getting you ready for Halloween. Its the stroller line that Sugar Snap Pea is bringing for our lovely customers. Strollers are a funny thing. They are going to be part of your life for a long time, so when choosing the right stroller for the store I had to take a lot into consideration.

Charleston is blessed with a gorgeous historic downtown, so you want something easy to ride on old cobblestone streets, but easy to pack into your car and drive to the beach 10 minutes away. (this schpeel is actually not for the stroller, its for all of those that live far away from Charleston, but should be packing up and moving asap)

So many people feel that they step into a european boutique when they come to Sugar Snap Pea, so what better way to continue the motif, but with a european stroller line. Come to SSP and check out the new beautiful ride your baby will be happy you purchased! (and so your back)

Whats SSP to you?

Happy Labor day everyone. I feel like I'm truly celebrating this labor day by laboring away on all of my new merchandise. And man oh man, do I have a lot. I had to order extra 300 hangers (mind you, that's how many I ordered the first time around, and occupied every single one) and then just ran out and wished I had more. Well, at least I wont have the case of "nothing to wear" at my store. I just added tea collection, where all daily tea items are under $30 and are great for everyday school wear. I have beautiful Neige line for girls that is so easy to mix and match, you'll never wonder who dressed your child. I can go on and on, but this post isn't about all the amazing new fall stuff. Its about what is beyond the sales room.

When I first opened the store, I had a very scary back room. I feel like most stores have one. Mine was SO scary I didn't even want to put my merchandise in boxes. ( i maaaay have a slight fear of bugs...or places where bugs can easily hang out)

So I was determined to make my back room Zhenya friendly. During the construction process, I realized, that it would be great to make it EVERYONE friendly.

So this post, is mostly for you folks. Those who live in Charleston and would like to frequent SSP beyond shopping for clothes and gifts. SSP's back room (which any clever names are welcomed) is going to be used for many different purposes. Baby shower rental room, Baby and Mommy classes, Baby 101's and many more. Most likely the room will be available in late September early October, so this is the time to put your thinking caps on.

What would you like to learn at SSP? How would you like our community to grow and how can we help?

I'm all ears!

Now please, stop by and buy something so I can hang more stuff up :)

no, thank YOU!

I think its very important to let customers know how grateful I am that they want to shop here and I hope you all know that I am so very honored and humbled by this!

And all customers! No gift or purchase is too small. I think its important to have a range of products everyone can purchase. From a small, cozy little rattle, to a nice swaddle set, to your first outfit, to a carrier and I can go on and on. There will be days when you just want to browse, and thats great too! Come in for some AC (thats when its working.....)

Occasionally you will have those "I have a giant list of things I need to buy" days. Bonus! If you spend just $200 with sugar snap pea, you will get a free 30 minute baby session with the amazing Carmen, from Carmen Ash Photography. Some of you may have seen the great photography hanging on my walls. Well, your baby can look that great too! I will leave you starring at these pictures, but just remember, next time you are at Sugar Snap Pea, we are very, very thankful!

for full terms and conditions please contact Carmen: Carmen@CarmenAsh.com 843-718-2432

Why Charleston is great!

I have said it before, I'll say it again. I love Charleston. The community is wonderful, the weather is great and the beauty of this city is just breath taking.

That is until your AC goes out in your store 4 times in one month and everything blurs together. Yesterday was crazy, I lost 5 lbs just standing in this heat and doing nothing, but I think were back in the game. Lets not count on Lucky #5 anytime soon :)

So to sound off on that community...

I have met wonderful retailers along Charleston and we have all become a little small family. (ok, thats what I think, they may say Im the unwanted step child...but in my mind, its puppies and flowers and everyone loves each other, Im sticking to my story)

Today I found out that one of our dear retailers-The Sally Bettes shop, is having a huge MOVE sale on 74 N Market Street. Now days when we hear the word MOVE, we assume that its a bad thing. Not in this case! They are just changing locations, but all those in Charleston become winners by feasting on their sale.

The sale is from today through Saturday. Im on my way there after I close, to make sure I get something before anyone else :)

Feeling shopperific? Mention this blog and you'll get a little something extra.

1 Month Birthday Present-TO YOU!!

So I know its not Monday and not my regular day to blog...but you'll be glad you read this and read THE WHOLE THING, you'll be glad you did!!! (especially if you live in Charleston)

Before I opened my store, I heard about a great new organization, called 3rd cup charleston. The organization started by Greg Mortenson, and below is a little bit about his story:

In 1993 Greg Mortenson was returning from a failed attempt to climb K2, the world's second highest mountain, in northern Pakistan. During the ascent Greg and three climbers rescued a fifth climber. The rescue took over 75 hours. After the rescue Greg became separated from the group. Both weak and exhausted he wondered into a small improvised village. The people in the village welcomed Greg and nursed him back to health.

To repay the village for saving his life, Greg promised to return and build a school. From this simple promise grew one of the most incredible humanitarian campaigns of our time—Greg Mortenson's one-man mission to counteract extremism by building schools, throughout an area dominated by the Taliban.

In pursuit of his goal, Mortenson has survived kidnapping, fatwas issued by enraged mullahs, repeated death threats, and wrenching separations from his wife and children. But the change he has made on the world speaks for itself. As of 2009, Mortenson has established or significantly supports 131 schools in rural and often volatile regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan. These schools provide an education to over 58,000 children, including 44,000 girls, where few education opportunities existed.

Mortenson’s success in the region has brought great praise from the Pentagon and he is considered a valued unofficial consultant to the United States Military. Three Cups of Tea is now required reading for Special Forces troops deploying to Afghanistan

“Three Cups of Tea” is one of the most remarkable adventure stories of our time. Greg Mortenson’s dangerous and difficult quest to build schools in the wildest parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan is not only a thrilling read, it’s proof that one ordinary person, with the right combination of character and determination, really can change the world.” - Tom Brokaw

So why am I telling you this? Well, Sugar Snap Pea gave itself a 1 month birthday gift. We are sponsoring this organization, and as a thank you, we are getting 25 tickets to the September 1st RiverDogs Game in Charleston!

Want to come out and support Sugar Snap Pea, 3rd cup charleston and the RiverDogs? ITS ON US!!

First 25 people to email get FREE tickets! Email: zhenya@sspbaby.com for your tickets!

Happy Birthday Sugar Snap Pea!!!

keeping promises

I hate making promises I cant keep. Even if that promise is to write a new blog post every Monday. Its Monday...you deserve that promised post..even if its going to be about nothing.

(how about that for an attention getter opening sentence that will make you want to read on)

This past weekend I had the pleasure of being a bridesmaid in one of my best friends wedding. For the first time in 2+ years all of our close girlfriends ( there are 8 of us) got to see each other. So much has changed. 1 ( and the first to be married almost 3 years ago) has a baby boy who is going on 2. Our second bride, has been a world traveler and made it to Michigan from London. Our third bride is expecting a baby girl in October, and our 4th bride will be taking a luxurious vacay in Australia after a beautiful wedding. Needless to say, Im friends with cool people. We also joke that the remaining 4 are going to be creating a nice gap in time, so unlike the past 4 reunions for weddings, we will be going on an all girls cruise sometime next year :)

With great reunions come some separations. That is the separation between me and the store. I have no idea how mothers leave their children after spending months with them on maternity leave...yes, I realize Im comparing something perfectly un-human, like a store, to a very different human with feelings, emotions and needs, like a child, but Im pretty sure Sugar Snap Pea has become my baby.

I was very grateful to find someone who was willing to babysit but most importantly, put up with my hovering like a bad helicopter over them, and texting them in 20 minute intervals.

In fact, everyone joked that I would be taking work calls while the bride walked down the isle....that did not happen, I promise :)

Everything went smoothly, some things still remain a question ( like why your store alarm goes of) but most importantly I learned that sales will still go on, even if Im not there.

So while it was good to get away, it was so great to be back. I feel ready to continue on with Sugar Snap Pea and bring you all different services and items. Stay tuned, great things are coming ahead!